Learning About Toilet Learning

By Kessa Dunlop

Toilet learning (teaching, training, potty training) can sometimes cause stress for families.

When to start?

Toilet learning depends on a child’s readiness, not age. Most children seem ready between 18 to 24 months, but others may be older.

How do I tell if my child is ready?

Seems interested in others on the toilet or likes books about the ‘potty’
Often has a dry diaper for 2-3 hours at a time
Can tell when they are ‘peeing’ or ‘pooping’
Clutches at their diaper or has another way of signalling that they need to go
Can sit steadily on the toilet or potty
Is able to follow simple instructions
Seeks to be independent

How long will it take?

It can take three to six months until a child can be out of diapers for the daytime. Staying dry and waking up to use the toilet at night could take many more months. As with many parenting adventures, it is helpful if parents and caregivers are patient and try to read their child’s cues.

Setting your child up for success

Try not to start toilet learning during times of stress such as moving, sickness, travelling or the birth of a sibling. Sometimes it can’t be helped, but stress can make the process longer.
Choose clothes for your child that they can pull down and up easily
Use common words like urine/pee, bowel movement/poo
Role-play yourself or with dolls/stuffed animals

Inform all caregivers about your plan
Don’t forget about washing hands afterwards

What to do on the potty

- Only put your child on for a few minutes at a time. Forcing them to stay for long periods of time will make the potty seem like punishment.
- Establish a routine. Have the child sit on the potty after every meal or snack and whenever they say they need to. When learning a new skill, having a schedule helps.
- Allow them the time they need.
- Be available to help.
- Praise every effort and result!
- Have boys start sitting down. They can stand up later.

Rewards for using the potty

The best reward is lots of praise from you! After a week of successes, you might shop together for some special underwear. A child should never be punished for having an ‘accident’. Stay positive and plan for them. Accidents will happen!

If you have concerns about your child’s progress, call the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 519-663-5317 to speak with the telephone nurse or speak to your health care professional.

References and Additional Information

Canadian Pediatric Society. (2018). Toilet learning.

https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/behavior-and-development/toilet_learning

Mayo Clinic. (2021). Potty training: How to get the job done.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/potty- training/art-20045230

Kessa Dunlop, WFN-4 student for the Middlesex-London Health Unit